Harnessing the power of the sun is not just an eco-friendly choice; it’s an adventure in DIY, creativity, and self-sufficiency. In this blog post, I’ll take you through the step-by-step process of running a conduit for a solar panel system, from the initial planning stages to the final touches of burying the cables. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a novice eager to learn, this guide on “how to use a shovel,” “digging a trench,” and executing a “solar build” will empower you to bring your solar power dreams to life.
Step 1: Planning and Preparation
Our journey begins with a simple yet crucial task: running conduit from a pole, underground, to connect the solar array. It’s essential to have all the materials ready before starting. Unfortunately, I overlooked purchasing the 90-degree elbows necessary for the turns in the conduit path, prompting a quick run to the store.
Step 2: Marking the Trench Path
With all materials at hand, the next step is to mark out the path for the trench. Precision here is key, as the trench will house the conduit that protects and conceals the solar cables. A little calculation and measurement revealed that about 25.5 feet of conduit would be needed, not accounting for the depth at which the cables would be buried.
Step 3: Digging the Trench
Equipped with a shovel, I embarked on the task of digging the trench. While this might seem daunting, it’s essential to remember that the depth of the trench should be sufficient to protect the cables from external damage, yet not so deep as to make future access difficult. For this project, a depth of about a foot was deemed suitable.
Step 4: Addressing Cable Entry Points
An essential aspect of this DIY solar build is ensuring a secure and critter-proof entry point for the cables into the solar system. Initially, I considered using an expensive adapter but decided on a more cost-effective solution: running PVC directly through a pre-drilled hole and sealing it to prevent any critter ingress.
Step 5: Laying the Conduit
After returning from the hardware store with the necessary supplies, I laid the conduit in the trench, ensuring it was deep enough to be safe yet visible to avoid accidental damage. The absence of the 90-degree elbows meant improvisation was necessary until they could be installed.
Step 6: Making Adjustments After Dark
Due to the need to disconnect the solar system to avoid load issues while making modifications, some work had to be postponed until after sunset. This included enlarging an existing hole to accommodate the new cables—a task I approached with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.
Step 7: Final Touches and Cable Management
With the conduit in place and the cables run through, the final steps involved burying the conduit and ensuring all connections were secure. Temporary zip ties were used for initial cable management, with plans to revisit and perfect the setup once the system was fully operational.
Conclusion: Empowerment Through DIY
This solar build project was more than just a technical endeavor; it was a testament to the power of DIY, the joy of hands-on creation, and the satisfaction of powering one’s home with sustainable energy. By following these steps and embracing the challenges along the way, anyone can transform their solar power dreams into reality.
Remember, the essence of DIY is not just in following instructions but in adapting, overcoming, and making the project your own. So grab your shovel, mark your ground, and let the sun power your journey toward a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.
In this video, we'll walk you through the process of digging a trench for your solar array, ensuring a stable and efficient setup for your renewable energy system. Join us as we cover essential tips, tools, and techniques to make this task a breeze. From planning the layout to the final touches, we've got you covered! Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide to help you harness the power of the sun and contribute to a greener future. 🔆🌱 Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction and Overview 0:25 - Planning the Layout 0:45 - Getting Tools Ready 1:15 - Marking the Ground 3:00 - Measuring to Get things from the Store 3:45 - Expanding the Hole in the Side of the Shipping Container 4:15 - Digging the Trench 5:00 - Talking About the Hole Again! 8:50 - Putting the Conduit in the Ground 9:50 - Backfilling and Compacting 10:30 - Final Touches 10:50 - Conclusion Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more helpful tutorials on renewable energy and sustainable living! 💚 Solar Build Parts Used Links to products we used (Some are affiliate links) Solar pannel cables - https://amzn.to/3XJjPMM PV DC Isolator Switch - https://amzn.to/3SdiAnV BougeRV Connectors 6 Pairs - https://amzn.to/3Kn0wWQ PV 15 In-Line Fuse - https://amzn.to/3SdSiSs BougeRV Y Connectors - https://amzn.to/3kc0EO6 Solar Crimpers - https://amzn.to/3I9OSfb Solar pannels - https://www.santansolar.com/product-category/solar-panels/ Ironridge Rails and Hardware - https://www.ironridge.com/design-tools/ Concrete - https://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-60-lb-Concrete-Mix-110160/100318478